Becoming English

Lately I have noticed that I am becoming more and more English...

• I will now run down the street for public transportation... though I rarely catch it.
• I frequently use the word "quite" as a qualifier.  As in, "That is quite lovely." 
• I have serious cravings for marmite.
• I can translate the sentence, "I was sat here 10 while 2."
• I can also translate the sentence, "You're having a giraffe."
• And I know what "Take the piss" means.  
• Not to be confused with the phrase, "I'm pissed" which does NOT mean you're angry.
• I no longer leave the house in sweat pants, a hoody and gym shoes (unless I'm walking the dog)
• I can watch British sitcoms and actually get / laugh at the jokes.  
• I can use British coins without thinking too hard.  
• The volume at which I speak has decreased exponentially, and I realize when I slip back into my "American volume."  
• Forget about the weather, the best way to strike a conversation up with a British person is to have a common complaint.  The bus late?  Works every time.

However, I still can't...

• Hang the laundry out to dry like a real Bitish wife without it getting rained on.  (Truth be told I gave up on this and we bought a tumble dryer.)
• Speak Yorkshire-ish enough for bus drivers to understand me.
• Pronounce my name in a way so that people don't think it is, "Kerry" or "Kylie."
• Make British style jokes.  For some reason my sense of humor is completely lost in translation.
• Example : Today at work (note : I work on the cash register in a little university convenience store) every time someone purchased a pop and a candy bar before 10 am I called it "The breakfast of champions."  Never even got a smile.  At least I think I'm funny....
• Understand thick Yorkshire accents, especially those of old men.  
• Get used to the grey/rainy/SAD inducing weather.  
• Find a decent restaurant outside of London.  (British food just sucks.  Sometimes stereotypes are true. 
• Be politically correct enough.

Thats all I can think of for now

For those of you living away from "home", what little milestones have you reached?

And what milestones are you still trying to reach?

January Update

Hi Friends,

I know I've been totally slacking on the blogging front.  I've been getting busy, but my new found life as an employed member of society has been leaving me with less time for superfluous bloggy activities.  Anyways, here are some updates about life around here since the last time we left off...

• I have nicely adjusted to working life.  I thought I would be super duper tired, but I'm not.  The only thing I struggle with is boredom.  My job isn't that interesting.
• I have been going to the gym A LOT more in hopes of shifting some of this Christmas weight.
• Last week I ran, swam, and went to spinning, some activities more than once, and I gained a pound.  Typical.
• I rode The Duchess to the post office yesterday - it was the first time I have rode my bike to do an errand and this made me feel quite proud (and cold).  Nick even took a picture...

• Ironically, I was going to post a form to obtain my provisional driving license.  
• We have been seriously slacking on our DIY activities.  
• But we have finished some things, and I feel like I am a bad blogger for failing to post pictures, but I am always embarrassed of what a slob I am - as soon as a room is finished it is a mess.  Nick says I am trying to create a "show home" that is why the pictures are so long in coming... but I will post some soon...  Maybe even in progress ones?  Do we like in progress shots - or just straight up before and afters?
• Yesterday we went to B&Q (a DIY store) to get back on the DIY train.  We bought lots of blue-ish paint samples for our kitchen.  
• I've been told you're not supposed to paint kitchens blue because blue is an unappetizing color - but encouraging me to eat less seems like it can only be a good thing, no?
• At B&Q I also went a little overboard with the purchase of these...

• Apparently I want to be a farmer.  I will keep you updated to whether I have a green or a black thumb.  FYI all of these have sow dates in February (at least in the UK), so if you want to try farming too go buy some seeds now! 
• Also on the subject of food... I have started planning our meals for the week now, to minimize our (outrageous) grocery bill by only buying things we need, and making cooking after work a less daunting task.  I was thinking about posting our meal plan on this here blog, and letting you all vote on what you want to see featured here.  Thoughts?
• Heidi has been a naughty little dog since I went to work.  See below, that is sour cream on her head.

• Earlier in the week I got a bad report from her dog walker, who said that he let her run around on "the commons" and she refused to come back for 30 minutes because she wanted to play.  Later that night I took her for a run, and when we came home she kept complaining about how bored she was.  She also had a pimple on her nose.  I think it is a case of teenage angst. 
• She also chewed up a pair of my shoes for the first time this week.  She never chews things (except for raw hide) so this was a big surprise.
• Annnnnnnnnnd she just stole a pineapple carrot muffin I had cooling on the counter.  Fail.  
• She liked it so much she even ate the wrapper.  They were good.  I'll post the recipe.    
• We're working on retraining her.  

That's all folks.  

How was your January?  

Hope it was fantastic!!

Breakfast at Tiffany's Tuesdays : Eliot's Breakfast Parsnips

Those of you who've read this blog for awhile know that we get our vegetables delivered from an organic vegetable delivery scheme called Riverford.

This ensures our vegetables are seasonal, fresh and mostly local.  

It also means, that we have less choice than we would if we went to the supermarket.  

And sometimes, we get things that we would NEVER purchase on our own.

Enter the parsnip.  

In my opinion, one of the lowliest of root vegetables, 

but oh so common in our vegetable box over the winter.

I was REALLY struggling to cook these little buggers -

in fact, more than once this winter I left them to rot.  

Forgive me for being so wasteful.

But finally, I have found a solution for my parsnip problem....

Eliot's Breakfast Parsnips

from Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone 

(yet again - I LOVE this book)

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 pound parsnips - peeled and sliced into thin rounds
• 1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts or pecans
• warm maple syrup to serve.

Melt butter over medium heat.  Add the parsnips and a pinch of salt.  Cook stirring frequently until the parsnips are carmelized and golden.  Serve with nuts and maple syrup.  

Hands down the best parsnips of my life.  

I Don't Feel Like Dancing...

This weekend would have been an ordinary weekend.  Friday night was spent watching a movie on the couch, Saturday we went grocery shopping, and came home had a little dinner and snuggled up yet again to watch a movie.  Truth be told, I am not a massive fan of watching TV, but Nick loves watching movies, so I usually humor him.  But last night, when I Love You Phillip Morris was over, and Nick started scanning his media center DVD collection for something to put on next, I had had enough.  


I got up turned off the TV and said,

"Nick, I am sick of wasting my youth sitting on the couch with you.  

Get dressed.  We're going out."

Considering we have not gone out on the town together for the entire year and a half that we've been married, he was pretty confused.  But he sarcastically got dressed as I put my make up on half jokingly.


I continued with my little game and got dressed and told him to call a cab, which really confused him, and maybe it confused me a little too, because I didn't believe we'd actually end up going out.  Nick really hates dancing, and thinks that drinking with me at a bar is a waste of money since drinking at home is much cheaper.  But he did call a cab and we did go out.


And we finally explored the Sheffield night life scene.  It was a strange combination of college students and mature folks.  We heard live music and techno, and even the Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme song (in a trendy club - weird right?).  We took shots and danced dirty until the early hours. 


We woke up this morning with hang overs, but you know what - we had fun.  Much more fun than if we had stayed at home to watch another movie.  


I am a naturally lazy person.  I wish it wasn't true, but really, I am pretty damn lazy.  I am constantly trying to fight my urge to be lazy.  But sometimes it is just easier to lay on the couch than get up, get dressed, and put your dancing shoes on.  


I just wanted to share this little story to remind you (and me) that while we're stuck in our houses, life is happening outside.  People are doing, dancing, creating, laughing, moving, motivating.  And sometimes you (I) need to turn off our computers, turn off the TV, and start living life.  

The truth is...

• Today was my first day of my new job
• I never understood how people could get "stuck" in life.
• And now I can't figure out how to get unstuck.
• I love having guests.
• Every time a guest leaves it makes me feel a million times more lonely than before they came.
• I had separation anxiety about leaving my dog alone today.
• She is probably my best friend.
• I am so scared of failing, sometimes I don't try.
• I thought I would get skinnier when I joined a gym in December, but every single night when I try to book a spinning class online, they're full.
• Is that karma?
• I hate being fat, but I can't stop emo eating.
• When I was a kid I used to make butter burritos.  Recipe : Spread butter on a tortilla, microwave until butter melts.  Add more cold butter.  Wrap.  This will give you the perfect mix of cold and melty butter.
• If you're not judging me right now, I'm judging YOU.    
• I haven't had a butter burrito in a while.
• I think this this picture just might epitomize my perfect life and I have looked at it a million times.

• I wonder if America is better in my head than it is in real life.  I haven't lived there for a year and a half now.
• I really want to be an urban beekeeper and have chickens.
• And ride my bike every where.
• Apparently Nick's mum is allergic to bees and Nick has never been stung so he isn't so sure about my bee keeping idea.
• I wonder if I will miss England when we leave.
• I have made a lot of deals with God lately and I'm not sure I ever hold up my end of the bargain.
• I still haven't sent the Christmas presents I bought.
• I do not remember the last time I slept through the night.  
• I should probably get some pills for that, but I hate doctors.  
• ...and fashion blogs.  There I said it.  But I like the girls who write them because I think they're cute.  but I hate how much fashion bloggers shop.  It seems really wasteful.  Sorry.  

We Love Guests

On Sunday I cleaned our little house up and down in anticipation of 

a very special guest's arrival...

And I made these delicious Lemon Curd Muffins because I am the perfect hostess.

(They were pretty much excellence in muffin form -

slightly sweet, oozing lemony goodness, and just tart enough)

Anyways, as I was taking these little beauties out of the oven we received...

 a knock upon the door.  

And this razzle dazzle sparkly Australian girl showed up and graced me with her effervescent presence.

She brought her boy friend too.

And we went to a little British pub for dinner.

They were only meant to stay the night, and leave in the morning 

for a quick stop over in York before heading up to Edinburgh, Scotland.

But I hadn't seen her face in 3 years and one night was not enough for me.

So I invited myself to York with them for the day.

I hope they didn't mind.

I cherished every minute of my 3rd wheeling!!

In case you're counting, these were our fabulous 3rd and 4th Aussie guests since October.

And no, we're not running an Australian only hotel.

Yes, I would like some red, white, and blue (of the USA variety) in our house.  

But OH how much do I L.O.V.E. all of our guests?!?

Thanks for visiting Temae and Jack!  

Introducing : The Duchess

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

boys and girls...

I would like to introduce you to the newest piece of equipment

 in the category of "getting busy" hobbies.

The Duchess!  

Isn't she the most beautiful bicycle you ever did see?!

Now I have to admit, it was love at first sight, but first ride...

That is a different story.

I haven't ridden a bike for real since I was... maybe ten?

I don't even remember.

My first ride was stressful.

I feel worried about getting hit by a car 

and whether or not I'll make it up the very big hills around here.

(why did I not get a bike when I lived in Chicago where EVERYTHING is flat 

and Lake Shore Drive is the perfect place for cyclists?)

Plus my wrists hurt, and taking my hands off to signal...?

forget about it.

I swerve all over the place.

But today I rode her again and it was much better.

I even started to figure out how the gears worked...

Seriously, I couldn't remember.

I knew when I asked for a bike for Christmas

 it would either be a huge waste of money or...

it would change my way of life. 

I'm not trying to do a Tour de France anytime soon,

I just want to be able to use a bike for transportation.

I feel like it makes so much sense to bike.

No waiting for buses, no money spent on gas. 

Model-esque, cellulite free thighs and calves to kill for.

Plus it would save time - exercise while you commute - 

what a novel idea!

Someday I would like to be one of those people who doesn't go to the gym at all.

I want to just lead an active lifestyle.

Hiking and running with Heidi, biking for transportation. 

Yoga to relax and outdoor activities for "fun."  

I'm hopeful that I will get there, 

but I think it is a very long (hilly) road ahead!

ps.  The Duchess is a temporary name until I think of something a less obvious and perhaps a little more personal.  Any ideas?

pss. Please share advice more experienced cyclists!

psss.  Thanks for the bike, mom!

Diana in the Snow

In case you can't get enough of my new found lomo skillz, 

here are some from when it snowed.

So what do you think?

Edgy, hipster, neat?

....Or just pretty shit pictures.  

Be honest.

I promise you won't offend me.

I think there is too much faux niceness in the blogosphere anyways.  

Christmas in London With Diana

Hey Friends,

I just got my very first roll of film developed from my diana mini!

Here are a few our trip to London last month.  

Generic view of the English countryside from the train.

St. Pancras station in London.

Great train station with one big problem, it is always freezing.

Seriously, why did no one think to put doors on this station?

Also, I almost always mispronounce this place.  

St. Pancras is not = St. Pancreas.  

(In case you were wondering)

A double decker bus, blue street lights, 

and Debenham's department store lit up for Christmas.

A typical red phone booth over exposed with red Christmas lights.

A big lit up umbrella and Christmas present.

We had a really fantastic day in London.  That city sure does have an amazing energy.  And I like the fact that I can navigate the city now.  It was such a big daunting place at first, but now going back to London is like visiting an old friend - the kind of friend that you only like in small doses though.

Anyways back to Diana - while she is an absolute joy to hold, and so much fun to shoot with, I must admit that she is very temperamental.  I think I need to buy a flash because all the ones we took inside didn't turn out at all.  Any lomography lovers have any tips?

The Best Pancakes I Have Ever Tasted. Period.

I'm so sorry, friends.  

I know it is absolutely horrible of me to post this,

 what with your New Year's Resolutions still going strong and all.

But, I wonder if it would be just as horrible of me to NOT post this.  

Because seriously, these were the best. pancakes. of. my. life.  

Nick and I keep staying up late and sleeping in, since he is STILL off work.

(Is it bad that I want him to go back now?  

His priority for the past two weeks has been to do absolutely nothing) 

Anyways for some reason this schedule justifies making pancakes, no?  

Cottage Cheese (Yes, I know - weird... but trust me) and Nutmeg Pancakes 

Ingredients

• 2 eggs, seperated
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup flour
• Butter for the pan

Whisk 2 egg yolks and cup of buttermilk together in a bowl.  Add cottage cheese, melted butter, and vanilla.  Add the dry ingredients and whisk it all together.  Beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks, and fold them into the batter.

Heat pan over medium high heat and melt a little butter into the pan.  These do have a slight tendency to stick, but pretty much function as regular pancakes for all other purposes.  So just take advantage of this as an excuse to add more butter to the pan between batches, and you should be A-Okay!  

Serve with a little cherry or raspberry jam and a dollop of sour cream.

You'll be sold.

I'm never making pancakes the old way again.

These were moister and more delicious than you could imagine.

I really am sorry for sharing, honestly...

 but this is a pancake recipe you need in your breakfast arsenal.  

I hope I didn't put you off your resolutions too much.  

Happy Friday!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to you all my blogging friends!  

I am so excited for 2011.  Mostly because 2010 sucked. 

But hey, so far, things are looking up, especially since I will end my year long stint of unemployment in two weeks!!!  So so excited for that.  

So I've been wondering what your resolutions are?  

Mine didn't go too well last year.

But this year, this year is going to be different!  

Right?  Right!

My overall goal is :  be more productive.

Problem with this is its largely unmeasurable, 

and I like goals that I can CROSS OFF a list.

Have you learned that about me yet?  ha!

So here are a few more of my goals for 2011....

• Ride bike enough to pay for itself - (more on this later, but I got that super cute bike from my mom for xmas!!)
• Volunteer
• Get back to my happy weight (not my skinniest ever, just the one I am at when I'm being healthy)
• Complete 30 tasks from my Day Zero list.
• Finish decorating our house.
• Do the dishes right after dinner.
• Make British friends
• Go on a honeymoon
• Get to bed by 11pm 
• Start our art collection
• Go on a cool date with Nick once a month (we are alternating months, he is planning this month... and I am planning next month - any ideas?)
• Annnnnnnnnnd, last but not least - Explore the Peak District (the national park which we basically live in ) once a month!  

All these pictures were taken in the Peak District over Christmas.  

It really is a pretty place.  

Good luck with your resolutions if you're making them!  

I'd love to know what they are!